But notice the crucial difference? Romney pledges, "I will preserve and protect a woman's right to choose," abortion, while McCain wants "the elimination of abortion". McCain does say "I think that we can all be members of the Republican Party, whether we are pro-choice or pro-life," and certainly that seems to be the case. Nobody suggested kicking Mitt Romney out of the party in 2002.

My personal take on abortion is that it's wrong but not so clearly wrong that it should be banned. But I am 100% in favor of of the repeal of Roe v. Wade and allowing the states to make that decision for themselves.

Recall how Thune was the '04 cycle's Barack Obama for Republicans. He was a Giant Killer, defeating Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) , and has been, for more than two years, on many pundits' short lists for the Republican vice presidential nomination. Thune tells the Washington Post that he somehow convinced McCain to promise to appoint "guys like Roberts and Alito" to the Supreme Court.

I don't get where Barack fits in as the '06 cycle's John Thune; he didn't defeat any giants.